Finally… no fear… no nerves – we are the Irons!

As Hammers, we have all known that sickening feeling of travelling to a “big club” and hoping that we put on a show so we don’t get embarrassed.

Usually it results in a loss, but so long as it’s not a thumping, we begrudgingly live with it for a week until the next game.

Then there’s the games where we expect to get something, against an out of form team, when wouldn’t you know it, they decide to play like Barcelona for their game against us.

We cope with this better than any other fans, quite simply because we have a gallows humour that should really get us our own stand up show on Comedy Central!

That fear, those butterflies in the stomach that have accompanied us through the last 30 years (in my case anyway) has been as much a part of the match day experience as a trip to the Boleyn or to Ken’s Cafe.

That fear has been a life long companion for any of us 30 something Hammers (and older and younger ones too no doubt).

So how odd that I approach every game with excitement, optimism, and anticipation, but without my good old pal “the fear”.

It’s not arrogance, as I don’t not expect wins or draws as a given, it’s just that I equally don’t expect us to get turned over, certainly not with ease has been the case too many times in the past.

If you beat West Ham nowadays, you’ve probably deserved it, which is why so few have this season.

Whether we are up against City away, or home to Chelsea, I don’t have the gut-wrenching worry that I’m in for a week of banter from some no mark glory hunter.

Far from it. The days of fearing teams could finally be coming to an end for us Hammers.

Now, under this amazing squad, manager, and board, could it soon be West Ham who are the ones to be feared…….

COYI !!!!